Phil attended Wynberg Boys High School.
He chose art as a subject to further his intention to study to become
an architect. He also approached Mrs Violet Fitzroy, a well known Cape
watercolorist for lessons and spent a year with her gaining experience
in that medium. More recently he has begun to use oils and acrylics taking
full advantage of the denser, richer hues.
This Artist knows the topography of the Cape intimately, his work communicates
well to those who have explored the shores and vineyards, climbed the
mountains. He concentrates only on that which is essential in the subject
he chooses to paint. This could be a Spring tide lashing the rocks at
Hermanus or a walk along the beach at Plett. Phil has an eye for the shifting
cloudscapes as they cast patterns of light and shade on sea, shore and
mountain. Time, Season and weather are arbiters of mood and contrast in
his work.
There is consistency and assurance in his work, a confident knowledge
and use of colour.
Clients generally collect his paintings, choosing their favourite vantage
points.
2016
Watercolours, group exhibition at The Cape Gallery
1980 - 2006
Participated in various group shows with other cape artists in the Cape
and Johannesburg; Gordon Legg, Eric Wale, Guy Todd, Lucy Wiles. Phil Cloete
frequently participated in exhibitions at The Cape Gallery.
1980
Shared an exhibition with Len Thomas at the Hout Street Gallery in Paarl
1981
Solo exhibition at Gallery 709 in Cape Town.
Exhibited at the Dunnwald Gallery in Johannesburg
1982
Exhibited in the Cape.
1981
Three works chosen for Southern Life Soceity Calendar
1983
Six works chosen by Caltex Oil for a calendar.
1984
Three works were chosen by Southern Life Assurance for a calendar.
1988
Four works chosen by Gearing, Walvis Bay for a calendar.
Numerous of his works are in collections here and abroad. |